Île Saint-Aubin, River island and wetland near Angers, France
Île Saint-Aubin is a river island between the Mayenne and Sarthe rivers with meadows, fields, and natural habitats. The land hosts protected animal species and experiences regular seasonal flooding.
The island has been a place of cattle raising and hay production for centuries, with this use continuing today. Seasonal flooding led people to adapt their work to nature rather than fight against it.
The Island Centre displays exhibitions about how farming and nature protection work together, shaping the place today. You can see how people here care for meadows while leaving room for wild habitats.
A chain ferry connects the island to the mainland from spring to autumn; cars are not allowed. Visitors should prepare for changing conditions and wear sturdy shoes, as the ground can be muddy after rain.
The wetland naturally stores water, which helps reduce flooding elsewhere during high water periods. This sponge-like function for the landscape is often overlooked, though it matters for the whole region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
